Mall gets new lease; plans expansion

The Escondido City Council has approved a significant lease extension with Westfield North County that includes a $55.8 million investment to revitalize the mall and the addition of a three-story Target store scheduled to open in October.

/ Courtesy of Westfield

A rendering from Westfield shows renovation plans for one of the North County mall's entrances, including the addition of a restaurant.

A rendering from Westfield shows renovation plans for one of the North County mall's entrances, including the addition of a restaurant. (/ Courtesy of Westfield)

Jerry Engen, Westfield San Diego’s senior vice president of development, gave a presentation on the upgrades Wednesday night before the council’s unanimous vote. Artist renderings illustrated plans to modernize all areas of the 26-year-old mall, including the food court, common areas and entrances. Two restaurants will be added and all parking areas will be resurfaced.

Engen said most of the renovations should be complete by December. He estimated the project will create 300 construction jobs and 500 permanent retail jobs. By 2016, the city will receive an estimated additional $1.5 million annually in sales tax revenue, he said.

Officials praised the deal with Westfield, with Councilwoman Olga Diaz singling out Mayor Sam Abed for his commitment during the yearlong negotiations to “getting the most money out of Westfield.” The agreement grants a 15-year lease extension to Westfield upon completion of the upgrades.

Diaz also thanked Westfield for its investment. “It’s not often someone wants to spend $50 million in our city without asking us for money.”

The 150,000-square-foot Target will join anchor stores JC Penney, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Sears. It will fill a long-vacant space formerly occupied by Robinsons-May. The Target on Auto Park Way near Interstate 15 will remain open.